faq

The 13th edition of the Trek or Treat Night Trail Run will take place on Friday, October 26, 2018.

Where does the race take place?

The race takes place at the St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre at 1280 Dundas Street West in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Map

Is there parking at the event venue?

Yes, there is free parking at the venue.

What time does the race start?

The Creepy Mile starts at 7 p.m.
The 5KM run starts at 7:45 p.m.
Indoor activities, including event day bib pick-up, start at 5:30 p.m.

When and where can I pick up my race bib?

We do offer an early kit pick up day that we encourage participants to take advantage of. Date and location TBA.

On race day kit pick up begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. Creepy Milers should plan to pick up their kits no later than 6:30 p.m. Participants in the 5K should plan to pick up their kits no later than 7:15 p.m.

This event is capped and our event sells out well ahead of race day. Please register early to avoid disappointment. If you register for the 5KM with plans to later register your family for the Creepy Mile, please note that once the Creepy Mile is sold out, no additional spots will be open (even for family members of 5KM runners).

Complete pricing details are available on our registration page. An early ghost pricing structure is in effect, so the earlier you register, the cheaper it is. Children under 2 years of age can participate at no cost, but must still be registered for insurance purposes.

What are the different events?

The Creepy Mile is a 1-mile, family-friendly walk or run. The course features large Halloween inflatables and a mid-point candy station. The Creepy Mile is scheduled to allow time for parents to complete the event with their little ones in sufficient time to then run the 5KM event.

The 5KM run/walk is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Walkers will be asked to start at the back of the pack. The course is dark and runs through a cemetery. There are haunters on the course.

Can my child participate in the race by him or herself? What is the age limit?

Children must be accompanied by a registered guardian for the Creepy Mile. Creepy Mile teams can be a maximum of 5 people, and must include a parent or guardian aged 18+. The Creepy Mile is family-friendly.

The minimum age to participate in the 5KM event is 7. Children ages 7-11 must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the 5KM event. Children ages 7-11 will not be able to register without a paid adult registrant. For children ages 12 and up we ask that parents use their own discretion; the trails are dark and children are not under our supervision on the course.

What is the course like?

The Creepy Mile takes place on a wide, paved road and path. The 5KM run is a trail race. Most of the running is done on crushed gravel and well-groomed paths. However, use caution as there are a few roots and bumps that keep things interesting! The course is easily manageable for those with strollers (who will be asked to start at the back of the pack).

Are the trails dark? Do I need a light to participate?

Yes. The trails are dark! It is mandatory to carry a flashlight or to wear a headlamp to participate in the event. This is for your safety and for the safety of others on the course. We have a supply of headlamps available to rent at a cost of $10. Headlamps must be reserved in advance; this can be done online when registering for our event.

How much candy will I get?

This is not a trick-or-treating event. On the Creepy Mile and 5KM routes there is a candy station and there are candy bowls inside for participants to enjoy some delicious Halloween treats. We ask participants to refrain from emptying candy bowls into their personal bags, purses and backpacks – we want everyone to be able to enjoy some treats on event night! Thanks for your cooperation.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, pets are not invited to this event. Please leave Fido at home.

Is this a stroller-friendly event?

Strollers are welcome in the Creepy Mile and 5KM trail run. If you are using a stroller in the 5K you will be required to start at the back of the pack, ahead of the walkers. Please use common sense such as maintaining a straight line ahead and yielding to runners without strollers.

Is this event chip-timed?

Yes, the 5KM run is chip timed. The Creepy Mile is not.

What kind of food is available at the event? Is this event safe for my allergic child?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a peanut-free event. While we distribute only peanut-free candy, there are third party food suppliers on site and items in race kits that do contain peanuts. Like any event, you should assume that food, surfaces and other people may have been in contact with allergens. Please use appropriate caution. Gluten free treat bags are available for children. Bags must be reserved by October 1st by emailing info@trekortreat.ca. Please include your child’s name. Your treat bag can be picked up at the registration desk upon arrival. At this event, participants are provided with pizza, hot chocolate, and of course, loads of Halloween candy.

We love to see costumed participants! In fact, most of our racers dress up for the event. While dressing up is not mandatory, it is encouraged! The vast majority of our participants do dress up.

Is there a charity associated with this event?

Yes. Trek or Treat raises food donations in support of the Oakville Fare Share Food Bank. In 2018 our goal is to raise 1,500 pounds of food. We invite you to help us reach this goal by bringing a non-perishable food item on race night to be dropped into our donation box. Please review the list of most needed items for the food bank here.

Over the years we have tried to manage the growing challenge and cost of people not registered in our event coming into the facility and enjoying treats and experiences meant for our participants. In 2018 we will be strictly enforcing our attendance policy:

Trek or Treat is for paid participants only. This includes children, parents, grandparents, babysitters, friends, etc. Entry into the Creepy Mile, 5KM run and indoor venue is restricted to those with an official race bib*. Entrance into the venue will be monitored by staff throughout the event from start to finish. Please do not show up on race day expecting to bring in an extra person. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

The only way to ensure that you and your family can enjoy Trek or Treat is to register them for either the Creepy Mile or 5KM event. Please note that both events sell out well ahead of race day when our cap is met. If you are not registered before registration closes, you will not be permitted to participate in the event. There is no event day registration for Trek or Treat and once the 5KM and Creepy Mile are sold out, no additional spots will be made available. We encourage those wishing to attend to register early (which also lets you take advantage of early-bird rates!).

*ALL children must be registered to attend this event, including infants. There is no cost to register children under 2 years of age.

Refund/Transfer Policy

We do not issue refunds for any reason. This includes pregnancy, illness, injury, work commitments, death in the family, etc.

If you are unable to attend, we will honour a transfer to another participant, or a deferral to the 2019 event, FOR REQUESTS RECEIVED BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 11, 2018. Absolutely no transfers or deferrals will be issued after this date. We appreciate your understanding.

Creepy Mile teams can be a maximum of 5 people, and must include a parent or guardian aged 18+. You can’t add additional team members to a team of 5. In this case, you must create another team with at least one adult aged 18+. This is required to ensure the safety of all kids on course.

Guardians/parents registered in the 5KM event do not need to pay again to participate in the Creepy Mile, but will need to REGISTER IN THE 5KM FIRST in order to check off their name as a team member when registering for the Creepy Mile.

Children under the age of 2 on race day are free, but must be registered for insurance/safety purposes. They will receive a race bib, which needs to be visible on child or stroller for entrance into indoor facility.

The minimum age to participate in the 5KM event is 7. Children ages 7-11 must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the 5KM event. Children ages 7-11 will not be able to register without a paid adult registrant. For children ages 12 and up we ask that parents use their own discretion; the trails are dark and children are not under our supervision on the course.